The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1887-04-21
NARROWING CORN.

NARROWING CORN.
The Western farmers are learning
better each year that the harrow is a
valuable implement TO use after corn is
planted. While the ground must be
fined and leveled before the corn is
planted, it is best to stop using the
harrow and roller as soon as the ground
is in such condition that good planting
can be done: for heavy shower. such
aswc arc apt to have in the spring, viii
put very fine ground into such condi-
ton that the corn can bc planted only
after much work is done. Tie roller
may follow close after the planter. and
tho harrow should follow close after the
roller: then there is no danger from
sudden showers. and the ground is fin
cd and compactel over the seed. while
the danger Of baking is reduced to the
minimum. This also closes the mark
made by the planter. CT the fnrrow il
the corn is planted ~ hand: and if the
mark or furrow is left open. it is achan-
ncl for the water, which. on slopes.
will have enough force. ii there is 4
heavy shower, TO carry of the seed. II
4 light harrow is run over the field
again thlee or four days after planting,
the weeds will be effectually destroyed.
if 4 crust is forming. twill be loosehed
and the ground is yet further fined.
When the corn appears. aud the rows
can be seen. the two middle teeth must
be taken out. The oftencr the corn il
narrowed. until it is i've inches high. the
better. Every year the double dia.
monds," and the cultivators with large
shoyels. are being nscd less. and thu
harrow is beng used yet more. It is
the earliest, closest cultivation which
does the most good: and often it will
pay to stop in the work of preparing
and planting one field to harrow anoth
, cd already planted. Observation inth
great corn-productng States convince'
us that each year the cultivation grows
less deep and ridged; but undoubtedl,
there are times and certain conditions
of the soil when deep. ridged cultiva
ton is best
BEE NOTES FOR APRIL.
| One who is fond of honey. unless h,
lives in a crowded city, has only him
self to blame if he is not supplied il
abundance. Flowers. the most obscur
rs well as the brightest, secrete necta
in abundance. which. if not gathered
goes to waste. There is but one wa
in which 10 gather it. The services .
the bee can never be superseded by an
human contrivance.
Those who have bees in winter quar-
ters should keep them quiet rs long 4
possible: but in most localities tn
hives will be placed upon their prope
stands early this month. The bloom
ing of the soft or red maple is rcgardc
As an indication that the bees may /
set out with safety. The coloni,
should be inspected. the weak one
strengthened with brood-comb. an
those with short supplies should be fe,
Rye meal should be placed where I'll
UccS GILL iistA Z ltCe slCCcs> VI IL Dul W liz
they can gather pollen in abundance
they need no substitute. lfany colon
is without Il queen, or its queen
deficient, supply one without della,
unle>. it may be better to unite IL
weak colony with another and mal
one strong colony out oftwo weak an
Improbable ones. Feed all coloni,
that need it. giving full combs. or fee
syrup.
aUr IN THE SUNSHINE.
Whether in the greenhouse or Il
window-garden, plants that have dol
their best all winter are now being mac
ready for their season in the open al
While they remain within. the increa
ing heat requires that they have great'